Crime & Thriller Book Reviews
Chills, Thrills, and Spills
The Book Pug reads and reviews a wide range of Crime including nordic noir, spy thrillers, classic crime, and cosy mysteries - though you won't find any 'slasher' or horror reads here. These reviews only feature books the Book Pug rates as the best. Enjoy the thrilling ride with this curated selection.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
What's it about?
Retired British spy George Smiley is called to attend a clandestine debriefing of an agent, who shockingly reveals there is a double-agent in their ranks. George is charged with discovering who the mole is, and the deeper he digs, the uglier the truth that is revealed.
What's to like?
George Smiley must be amongst the most well-crafted character’s in spy fiction. George’s banal, quiet, and unassuming manner, belies his steely, hard resolve and razor sharp mind. Le Carré’s writing is top-notch and the complex plot will keep most readers guessing until the end.
What's a pain?
The plot is convoluted with a multitude of strands, so it is little wonder that George Smiley himself takes the whole book to uncover the mole. This inherently requires a high degree of patience on the reader’s part too. But Le Carré devotees would be disappointed with anything so pedestrian as a straightforward story.
Is this book for me?
If you love the idea of being immersed in a realistic view of the shadowy, sinister world of British espionage, with a slow, measured plot that keeps you guessing, you won’t find better. If you like your spies heroic men of action, suave like Bond, and a story with a cracking pace, George Smiley will put you to sleep.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
What's it about?
In this classic thriller published in 1886, Dr Henry Jekyll is curious to explore and indulge his dark side without the encumbrance of a conscience. His experimentation initially brings him exactly what he desires, but the consequences are ultimately anything but pleasurable.
What's to like?
Robert Louis Stevenson skilfully captivates the reader from the very first chapter, as he builds suspense in this dark and ominous cautionary tale . It is well written and difficult to put down, which is not a problem as it is a novella-size read.
What's a pain?
Given that this book was written more than 100 years ago, what was original, shocking and frightening then, is less so now. This may leave some readers wanting more. The story also perhaps feels like it is over far too soon, because it is so short.
Is this book for me?
If you like tightly woven suspense, the literary style of classic, and a nice quick read, you may well lap this novella up in one sitting. But if you like your suspense slick, edgy, and modern with a complex plot. This Doc isn’t the right medico for you.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
Lightseekers by Femi Kayode
What's it about?
Based on a real event in 2012 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, this riveting story follows Dr Phillip Taiwo, a psychologist, in his pursuit of the truth behind the shocking lynching of three university students by a whole town. His life is increasingly at risk as he gets closer to getting answers.
What's to like?
The style of Kayode’s writing is direct, matter of fact, and easy reading. But he also skilfully builds suspense to make this a real page-turner. The characters are credible and it is fascinating getting under the skin of small-town culture in Nigeria.
What's a pain?
The most unique and important aspect of the book is the insight it brings as to why a whole town could commit such a heinous crime. While this does receive attention, it may not be enough for some readers looking for deeper understanding.
Is this book for me?
If you’re looking for an easy reading crime story, set in a very different cultural setting, with a gripping story and likeable characters, you will love this. If you prefer high-brow crime writing or intense cultural insight, this will be less your style.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
What's it about?
Dr Shepherd is shocked to discover that his friend Roger Ackroyd has been brutally murdered only hours after he was with him. Suspects abound in this small village, but thankfully an enigmatic visitor is on holiday in the village and is enlisted to solve this puzzle. None other than the much celebrated private detective, Hercule Poirot.
What's to like?
Agatha Christie is the Grand Dame of cozy mysteries and it really shows with this landmark book. Apart from the clever plot, the well-written, witty dialogue really is a delight to read and makes the novel. Even the side characters make their mark with their amusing small-village eccentricities. This is easy reading and a true classic.
What's a pain?
For avid crime readers or those familiar with the Christie formula, it may not be too much of a stretch to guess who the culprit is. But in fairness to the author, this was written in 1926 and the plot idea was highly original at the time. Regardless, knowing who did it doesn’t change the pleasure of the read.
Is this book for me?
If you love cozy mysteries and want to start or reacquaint yourself with Agatha Christie, this really is a delight to read. If you like your crime plots to be almost impossible to guess and need a sharp, modern edge, you should definitely give Christie a miss.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie
What's it about?
Detective Kate Miles is simultaneously investigating two unconnected cases in a small town in Northern NSW, Australia. One involves a hold-up in a fast-food joint, the other a popular local drowned in floods. As she hunts down answers, strands of each case intertwine, shedding light on the other.
What's to like?
This is McKenzie’s debut novel and she looks to be the next Jane (The Dry) Harper. Kate Miles is a likeable and credible lead character, and The Torrent captures the true grit of a small Australian town and its inhabitants to perfection. The suspense is also nicely held throughout.
What's a pain?
While it’s true that everyone knows everyone in small towns, there are a few interconnections and coincidences that almost push the limits. The perpetrators also tend to be slightly less multi-dimensional characters, but the story doesn’t suffer for it.
Is this book for me?
If you enjoy Aussie Crime and unembellished writing, you’ll love this and probably read the next two in the series, which are just as good. If you are looking for something really different that you haven’t experienced before in the genre, this won’t rock your world.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
Uncle Paul by Celia Fremen
What's it about?
This cozy mystery published in 1959 is set in a sleepy English seaside resort. Londoner Meg, receives an enigmatic request from her sister Isabel to come quickly to help their half-sister Mildred. Little does Meg know that dark secrets from the past will turn this into the holiday from hell.
What's to like?
The story and characters have a quintessentially 1950’s feel which makes it charming and refreshingly different to contemporary Crime novels. The strongest aspect is the suspense in the last quarter of the book, which makes it a real page-turner with a very sinister surprise .
What's a pain?
Although the characters and story are enjoyable throughout, not a lot of drama or revelations occur in the first 3/4 of the novel. Thankfully, the final crescendo and surprises in the last quarter make up for it. But some readers may not make it that far to receive their reward.
Is this book for me?
If you love an English cozy mystery, and a plot that keeps you guessing with a great pay-off, you’ll love this Agatha Christie style book. If you like a cracking pace and a modern edge to your Crime reads, this book really will be your very own holiday nightmare.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
A Perfect Spy by John le Carré
What's it about?
British Intelligence Officer Magnus Pym receives news of his father’s death and suddenly disappears without a trace, leaving his family, colleagues, and spy-masters in a spin. As the story unfolds we gradually discover Magnus held many more secrets than anyone could have possibly imagined.
What's to like?
Dubbed the greatest spy novel ever, this is a great work. Magnus is complex, intriguing, and highly entertaining. The plot of this well written page-turner is enthralling, and the support cast of characters are as perfectly crafted as Magnus, including his father, Rick, who is modelled on le Carré’s own father.
What's a pain?
This couldn’t be described as an ‘easy read’ and it is a long novel for the genre. But it really is well worth the effort. The only genuine ‘shortcoming’ with this iconic spy novel is that it comes to end.
Is this book for me?
If you are fascinated with the enigmatic, cloak & dagger world of old-school spies, this is an unbeatable read and the king of its genre. If you like a fast-paced spy story with a super-hero like protagonist, maybe go for Ludlum instead of le Carré
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
What's it about?
Diana Cowper visits a London funeral parlour to organise the details of her own funeral, then promptly dies that very same day. Writer, Anthony Horowitz, a fictional version of the author, teams up with former police detective Daniel Hawthorne to hunt down what happened, to provide the plot for his next novel.
What's to like?
This is Agatha Christie reincarnated for the 21st century. The hallmarks of Christie’s work, of a complex plot, intelligent hero, ruthless villain, eccentric side characters, and red herrings, are all here. The judicious use of humour and the fact that Horowitz has cast himself as the hero adds a fresh spark.
What's a pain?
The author himself notes in the novel that there’s a fine line between Detective Hawthorne being enigmatic versus one-dimensional. The reader really is left wanting to know more about what makes him tick. While the ending is a nail-biting climax, it perhaps pushes the boundaries of credibility a little.
Is this book for me?
If you love Agatha Christie and hanker for a modern take on her formula, with a few laughs along the way, you are really going to love this. But if you like your crime gritty, real, and with chills that keep you up at night, then this retro-feel novel will probably puts you to sleep.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
Dark Pines by Will Dean
What's it about?
Tuva Moodyson is a reporter, who happens to be deaf, working in a small regional Swedish town. She attends a crime scene that’s linked to similar murders 20 years ago. Tuva’s investigations lead her step by step towards the grisly truth, and deliver her the biggest story she’s ever broken.
What's to like?
With a personality as abrasive as sandpaper and more personal issues than you can poke a stick at, Tuva is a compelling lead character. Her deafness doesn’t feel contrived, and instead adds to the suspense. Will Dean captures the desolate backdrop of the wintry Swedish landscape to shivering perfection.
What's a pain?
There are parts of the novel where you may ask yourself if this is ever going to start heading somewhere. But fear not, Will Dean comes through, and we are on the edge of our seats as we approach the latter chapters. Tuva’s personal life is a bit of a self-created train wreck too, which may frustrate some readers.
Is this book for me?
If you love Nordic Noir and like your heroines gritty, flawed, and fearless, you will love this book and probably want to read the next one in the series. If you like your suspense to be all-action from the get-go, and your heroines to be aspirational, Tuva will probably be a turn-off.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith
What's it about?
The 6th instalment in Robert Galbraith’s (AKA JK Rowling) series sees the rough-diamond of a private detective, Cormoran Strike, and his glamorous partner, Robin Ellacott, pitted against an invisible online killer. This stand-alone story centres on a cult cartoon that leads its online fans into real-world murders.
What's to like?
The dark characters Galbraith has created in this story are something else. Edgy, eccentric, and pure evil. There are so many great twists and turns in this story, it will keep you guessing until the last. And of course, there’s the continuing, soap-opera shambles of the Cormoran-Robin romantic entanglement.
What's a pain?
There are so many online and real-life characters in this tale, that sometimes it can be hard to follow. Combine that with the annoying ‘online-speak’ dialogue, the length of the book, and complexity of the story, you may ask yourself more than once if it’s really worth persisting with. But it really is.
Is this book for me?
If you have already read the previous Strike novels, or you’re just looking for a contemporary, multifaceted crime story with original characters that keeps you intrigued, this is top-notch. But if you like you prefer cozy mysteries and books of an easily digestible length, maybe pick up Vera instead.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
What's it about?
On a bleak snowstorm of a night, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope finds an abandoned car with a crying baby inside. Her quest to solve this mystery leads Vera back to her own family, who become suspects in a murder. This 9th book in the much-loved Vera series doesn’t require reading prior books.
What's to like?
Vera is one of the great characters of crime fiction. She’s sharp, uncompromising, and belligerent; but underneath it all has a heart. This mystery is well-crafted, and wonderfully atmospheric, being set in the depths of a northern rural-England winter with chills coming from all angles.
What's a pain?
While this book is well-written and easy reading, it isn’t a literary experience. Although you are unlikely to solve the mystery quickly, there is a degree of familiarity of the characters and their secrets which is typical of this genre and this great series.
Is this book for me?
If you love a cosy mystery or the iconic character that is Vera Stanhope, this is one of Cleeves’ best novels and you’ll absolutely love it. If original characters, spine-chilling plots, and gruesome killers are more your thing, the Vera novels could be too ‘country-village’ for you.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The Dry by Ann Jane Harper
What's it about?
Detective Aaron Falk returns to his home town in countryside Victoria to attend the funeral of his childhood friend Luke, who has died in gruesome circumstances which have shocked this small town. As Aaron gets drawn into the investigation, all signs seem to point back towards the past and possibly Aaron himself.
What's to like?
Harper’s writing brings the unique flavour of the parched Australian landscape and its regional people to life perfectly. Raw, gritty, and real. The story itself is a suspenseful page-turner, and the revelations are worth the wait. This book offers an excellent balance of quality writing and easy reading.
What's a pain?
There are a lot of thrillers now set in Australian rural towns, and some of the scenes and characters in The Dry could seem familiar if you’ve read any. But this novel really is the benchmark of that genre and well worth a read – which is why it was made into such an excellent film.
Is this book for me?
If you enjoy reading about the raw Aussie landscape, its rural towns and people, or simply love a great mystery with interesting characters, you’ll enjoy this easy-reading yarn. If you’re looking for something deeper or a completely fresh take on the crime genre, this won’t be your thing.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
Still Life by Louise Penny
What's it about?
This is the first in the acclaimed Inspector Gamache Series, set in the quaint Canadian village of Three Pines outside of Montreal. Gamache is called out to investigate the shocking death of Jane Neal, a much loved 76 year woman with a history of calling out ‘wrong doers’, which appears to have resulted in fatal consequences.
What's to like?
Armand Gamache is an immensely likeable lead character, which is a key reason Penny’s ‘cozy mysteries’ are so popular. The village of Three Pines sits at the heart of this story and its enchanting quaintness belies its eclectic and frequently amusing inhabitants, which makes this tale and the whole series very engaging.
What's a pain?
A number of the Three Pines residents we meet almost verge on caricatures, and this may not sit well with some readers. Also, while the Gamache series isn’t an old-world mystery like an Agatha Christie, it does lie on the softer side of the crime genre and at times feels like it’s stretching the bounds of credibility.
Is this book for me?
If you love a cozy mystery and complete escapism, this book will be a pleasure and you’ll no doubt read the entire series over time. If you like your crime reads to be hard hitting and your characters raw and real, Gamache and the gang won’t satisfy you, and you’ll be heading straight for the the Three Pines exit.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
30 Days of Darkness by Jenny Lund Madsen
What's it about?
Hannah, a Danish literary writer, publicly derides a mainstream author, claiming she can write a better crime novel than any of his, in just 30 days. Her arrogant challenge ends up being more than she bargained for, finding herself embroiled in a real-life murder, and facing her own equally frightening inner demons.
What's to like?
This book is great fun. Hannah has more flaws than imaginable and confidently blunders her way into trouble every step of the way in this suspenseful tale. There are plenty of surprises that keep the reader guessing and somehow the book effectively delivers a fast paced thriller, while also taking a poke at crime novel cliches.
What's a pain?
There are one or two twists and turns in the story that seem a little too convenient and not so plausible. But this is a novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and with Hannah in the driver’s seat we become willing to believe that anything could happen with this chaotic anti-heroine in the driver’s seat.
Is this book for me?
If you want to read a crime novel with an original main character that’s a breath of fresh air, in a story with bucket loads of action and laughs, this will delight you. If you like your crime to be dark and serious, and the lead character a razor-sharp master of investigation, you won’t be into hapless Hannah.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
What's it about?
Jen experiences a mother’s nightmare: Her teenage son stabs a man to death right in front of their home. But the next day she wakes up and it hasn’t happened. It’s the day before. Each day that passes Jen wakes up earlier, gradually going back in time to discover what happened and if she can possibly stop her son’s crime.
What's to like?
This is a fast paced page-turner that keeps the reader fully engaged from start to finish, with plenty of surprises along the way. The structure of the story going back in time, days and weeks at a time, is a clever device the author handles with skill. Jen is a likeable main character and this is an easy, entertaining read.
What's a pain?
This isn’t a literary read and it’s not meant to be. The reader might feel like the characters seem familiar and while you might like them, there isn’t a lot of depth happening in terms of insight into human motivation beyond the obvious. But what you do get instead is non-stop action and thrills.
Is this book for me?
If you’re looking for an easy read offering pure, unadulterated escapism with a suspenseful storyline, this will be a great ride for you. If you want complex characters, an original storyline, and a cerebral crime experience, this novel will definitely be Wrong Place Wrong Time for you.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes
What's it about?
This classic crime novel written in 1913 was inspired by Jack the Ripper and real-life events recounted to the author. A disadvantaged couple living in London are desperately trying to make ends meet, and take in a lodger. Mrs Bunting soon develops suspicions about their perfect Guest. But is it all in her head?
What's to like?
The building sense of suspense and dread as Mrs Bunting grapples with what’s real and imagined is palpable. The lead characters, particularly Mrs and Mr Bunting are wonderfully real and flawed, which makes their dilemma all the more complicated and credible. And as for the lodger, well that’s for the reader to discover.
What's a pain?
Given its age, it’s no surprise that the style of writing and characters feel of that era, and that may not be to a modern reader’s taste But if this book is viewed as a pioneer of the crime genre set in a bygone era, these historical aspects give it authenticity and charm.
Is this book for me?
If you’re a crime aficianado looking for a really different read that’s nothing like modern crime novels, yet delivers suspense by the bucketload, you’ll love this classic. But if you like your crime slick, complex, and contemporary, you won’t want to take this Lodger in.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
The Cabin by Jorn Lier Horst
What's it about?
This is part of the excellent Detective William Wisting Nordic series, which can be read in any order. Wisting investigates the surprising discovery of 80 million kroner in the cabin of a deceased politician. Things quickly become complex and dangerous, as Wisting tries to unravel the murky past that’s the key to the present.
What's to like?
There’s no over-the-top hyperbole in Lier Horst’s writing, which makes it credible and unassuming. Wisting is a likeable character who is not only a highly skilled police detective, but also devoted to his daughter and grand-daughter. This intricate plot is nicely crafted with plenty of unexpected revelations.
What's a pain?
There are a lot of twists & turns and a complicated back story that form this plot, so the reader needs to stay focused to keep track of what’s happening, which may not suit everyone. Wisting is also methodical and detail oriented, which is a strength of the character, but does mean the action can take a back seat at times.
Is this book for me?
If you like crime novels with a complex plot that isn’t easy to work out, and enjoy an unassuming lead character with razor-sharp detective skills, you’ll love this and want to read the rest in the series. If you prefer your crime fast-paced, filled with action scenes and super easy reading, you’ll never feel wistful for Wisting.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
